Khelo India Water Sports Festival set for Dal Lake

Srinagar, Aug 19: Dal Lake, long celebrated as the jewel of Kashmir’s tourism and culture, is set to transform into a national sporting arena as it hosts the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival from Aug. 21 to 23.

As per a statement issued, more than 400 athletes from 36 states and union territories will compete in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, alongside demonstration events such as water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a shikara sprint.

This carnival of water sports is set to blend sporting excellence with cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.

 A New Era for Sports in Jammu & Kashmir

The government has been consistently working to position Jammu & Kashmir as India’s premier sports hub. Gulmarg already holds pride of place as the country’s winter sports destination, having hosted five successful editions of the Khelo India Winter Games.

Now, with Dal Lake stepping into the spotlight, J&K is set to become equally renowned for water sports.

Organised jointly by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the J&K Sports Council, this festival is a direct result of the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat’ policy, aimed at boosting grassroots sports, generating livelihoods, and rejuvenating local infrastructure.

The festival is expected to bring economic benefits not just to athletes and coaches- but also to shikara owners, houseboat operators, and the wider tourism ecosystem.